The Bedford Buccaneer
February 26, 2024
IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday, March 12th- School Council meeting-2:30-3:30pm
Friday, March 15th-No School-Staff Professional Day
Tuesday, March 26th-Wednesday, March 27th-Delayed Opening-ELA MCAS
Tuesday, April 9th- School Council meeting-2:30-3:30pm
Monday, April 15th-Friday, April 19th-No School-Spring Vacation
Tuesday, May 14th- School Council meeting-2:30-3:30pm
Monday, May 20th -Last day for Seniors
Tuesday, May 21st-Wednesday, May 22nd-Delayed Opening-Math MCAS
Tuesday, May 21st-Friday, May 24th-Senior Finals
Monday, May 27th-No School-Memorial Day
Thursday, June 6th- Graduation-Tsongas Center
Friday, June 14th-**Tentative Last Day of School**-If no snow days
Wednesday, June 19th-No School-Juneteenth Holiday
BHS Rotating Day Calendar 2023-2024
2024 National Merit finalists
Congratulations to six seniors who are now 2024 National Merit finalists and will be considered for merit scholarships. Scholarship recipients are the candidates judged to have the greatest potential for success in rigorous college studies and beyond. We are proud to recognize the accomplishment of the following seniors (pictured below from L to R):
Gabe Arakawa, Rei Brown, Cameron Zhu, Caroline Liu, Hayden McAllister, Daniel Bendersky
Dominican Republic for February break 2025
“Hello everyone. Mr. Olson and Mrs. Billouin are planning a trip to the Dominican Republic for February break 2025. The trip is open to any student of BHS, but rising seniors and juniors will be given priority. The trip will include ziplining, snorkeling, sightseeing of traditional landmarks, white water rafting, a waterfall adventure and many more fun activities. We will be having an informational meeting for parents/guardians and students on Wednesday, February 28th from 7-8pm in the Bedford High School LGI. If you can not attend that evening, we will also be meeting with interested students during Flex on Thursday 2/29 at 8:30am in the gym. You can also see Mr. Olson or Mrs. Billouin at any time to ask any questions. You can also email kristofor_olson@bedfordps.org or beth_billouin@bedfordps.org Thank you.”
Boys Lacrosse Meeting Friday, March 1st
If you are planning on playing lacrosse this Spring, please come to a brief meeting in the front gym on Friday, March 1st during break!
If you can not make it please let me know by sending me an email or coming to see me.
Best,
Coach Martell
Addams Family Tickets
The BHS Performing Arts Department will present “THE ADDAMS FAMILY – A NEW MUSICAL” on Wednesday-Saturday, March 13-16, in Buckley Auditorium at BHS. Performances begin at 4:30 p.m. March 13 and at 7 p.m. the other days. There is also a 1 p.m. Saturday matinee.
About 80 students are participating as members of the cast, pit orchestra, and production crew under the direction of Katrina Faulstich.
Tickets are available through the Performing Arts Department website, https://bhschorusandtheater.weebly.com/tickets.html. Tickets are $14 per adult and $12 per student and senior adult. Tickets will be sold at the door only if seating is available.
The show is considered appropriate for audiences of at least middle-school age. The show will run approximately two-and-a-half hours with one intermission.
Show Dates & Times:
Wednesday, March 13 @ 4:30
Thursday, March 14 @ 7:00
Friday, March 15 @ 7:00
Saturday, March 16 @ 1:00 & 7:00
AP Exams
The AP Exam registration and payment deadline has passed as of Tuesday, November 14th, 2023. No further exams are able to be ordered at this time. Please note that refunds will no longer be available for canceled exams as of March 1, 2024 through the May exam administration date. Partial refunds are available up until the March 1st deadline.
Should you (or your student) be interested in canceling your exam, you must request a cancellation through Total Registration. Please feel free to contact the AP Coordinator directly with any question you may have at samantha_thyne@bedfordps.org.
School Council
School Council Website
Meeting dates-Time is from 2:30-3:30pm unless noted
Mar 12
Apr 9 (2:30-4:00)
May 14 (2:30-4:00)
Counseling Corner
Class of 2024
There have been significant issues with the 2024-2025 FASFA. MEFA recently released a podcast that is worth a listen: Keeping Up with the FAFSA's Current Roadblocks
Course Selection Information
Academic Advising for the 2024-2025 school year began the week of February 12, 2024. Counselors have met and will continue to meet with students in small groups and individually to discuss their courses for the next school year. The schedule will go as follows:
Class of 2026: February 26th - March 1st
Class of 2027: March 4th - 8th
Please stay tuned for more information.
Dollars for Scholars
Local Scholarship Opportunities are available to all 2024 graduating seniors at BHS who plan to continue their education at a 2 or 4-year college or trade/technical school. The online scholarship application period will be open from March 1st to March 21st. Please visit bedfordma.dollarsforscholars.org for more information and/or to apply.
Representatives from Dollars for Scholars will be available onsite at BHS on the following dates and times:
March 8th: D Block, Counseling Office
March 13th: 1PM - 2PM (after school), Computer Lab - H205
March 20th: 1PM - 2PM (after school), Computer Lab - H205
March 21st: D Block, Counseling Office
2024 App Handout Dollars for Scholars BHS with Q&A.pdf
Student Information
Activities Fair during Future First Year night
Welcome back from what was hopefully a relaxing vacation! The Peer Leaders are running another Activities Fair during Future First Year night next Thursday, March 7 from 7:00-8:30. The goal of the activities fair is to showcase the many clubs and activities offered here at BHS to the class of 2028 and allow our future first year students to meet student and faculty club organizers and potentially sign up for any clubs they're interested in.
This Activities Fair will be run similarly to the one we facilitate in the beginning of every school year. Club organizers will be provided with a table in the main gym and may bring materials to display with important information and provide a mechanism for students to sign up to join. If a faculty advisor is unable to attend, a student representative may attend in their place.
If your group would like a booth at this event, please SIGN UP HERE no later than Tuesday, March 5th. Please reach out with any questions!
Best,
Ms. Duffy & The Peer Leaders
BHS Merchandise Design Contest
Hi BHS Students,
The BHS Student Government is thrilled to extend an open invitation to all creative minds within our student body! We're excited to announce a design contest for potential school merchandise, and we want YOU to be a part of it.
Do you have a knack for creating eye-catching designs? We encourage all who are interested to unleash your creativity and submit your unique ideas.
Please send your Bedford or buccaneer-themed designs in .png format to Ms. Cigna (olivia_cigna@bedfordps.org) by Friday, March 1st for consideration. Your submissions will undergo careful review, and selected designs will have the opportunity to become part of our official school merchandise lineup.
To all our talented buccaneer artists, we wish you the best of luck, and we can't wait to see the amazing designs you come up with!
-- The BHS Student Government
Peer Leaders
If you are interested in being a Peer Leader for the 2024-2025 school year, please complete the attached Google Form no later than Friday, March 8th.
Once all applications have been submitted and reviewed, I will reach out to schedule interviews which will take place in March. The class is open to all incoming 11th and 12th graders. Please reach out to me if you have any questions.
Best,
Ms. Duffy
Peer Leadership application 2024
Volleyball Tournament
Please click the link to see details about the tournament and how to sign up.
Midyear Assembly
Please click here to see the 9-11th grade presentation from the mid year assembly
Please click here to see the 12th grade presentation from the mid year assembly
The BHS Lookout
The Lookout Student Newspaper is excited to share our February Newsletter with you.
Buccaneer's Book Library
Buccaneer's Books Library Newsletter January 2024
BPS Performing Arts Department
BPS Performing Arts Department calendar
Seal of Biliteracy
Please click here to read the letter from World Language Department about the seal of Biliteracy.
Women of Science
This year's Women of Science competition is officially being held on Saturday, March 23rd. Women of Science is a competition that involves about thirty teams of junior and senior high school women competing in three science related events and a general knowledge station event. All events involve knowledge based in the areas of biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental science, math, and physics. Teams compete as a group of 3 in each of the four events.
The idea of creating a competition for female students only is guided by the interest to have more women enter science related fields. We are hoping that the day will celebrate women in science and spawn interest in science related fields.
If you would like to be considered to be on a team a competitor in this competition, please fill out the attached application before the end of the day on Monday the 29th. Please keep in mind, the competition is rigorous and will require significant amounts of time before the competition with your team members to prepare.
https://forms.gle/hkGpCH4N3Lt7fxJX8
Also, please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!
-Mr. Stief
Extracurricular Club-Student Meetings
List of Clubs and Activities
Archery Club
There has been some interest in starting an Archery Club...Before we continue the process I would like to gauge interest from the student body. If you are interested, please complete the form below.
Student Opportunities
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we hope you’ll join us for a civics education event on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Lynn Museum/Lynn Arts, 590 Washington Street, Lynn, MA 01901.
The morning session (10:00 am to 1:00 pm) is geared toward elementary through eighth grade students and will feature round robin sessions with our collaborators, a hands-on art project with Raw Art Works and a boxed lunch.
Our keynote speaker is Laurie Ann Thompson, author of Be a Changemaker: How to Start Something that Matters! Her Zoom presentation begins at 1:00pm.
The afternoon session (1:00 to 4:00 pm) is for high school and college students and will feature a presentation by Fredie Kay, Founder & President of Suffrage100MA as well as a panel discussion, facilitated by Pattye Comfort, LWVMA Executive Director:
Youth Changers! with Lena Crowley, Director of Teen and Middle School Programs, Girls, Inc. of Lynn
What it Takes to Run for Office with Nicole McClain, Councilor At-Large for the City of Lynn and Adriana Paz, Campaign Manager.
Standing in our power, women of color leading Change with Gail Jackson Blount, Chief Development and Communications Officer, Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center.
LWVMA is proud to partner with; Lynn Museum/Lynn Arts, Girls Inc. of Lynn, LWV Marblehead, LWV Salem, MA Women of Color Coalition, Northshore Juneteenth Foundation, Raw Art Works and Suffrage100MA. Questions? please email Sgarvey@lwvma.org
Thank you to our planning committee members: Celia J. Blue, Donecca Thurston-Chavez, Lena Crowley, Susan d. Garvey, Brynne Gorman, Maureen Hansen, Michelle Juralewicz, Fredie Kay, Nicole McClain, Rosario Umbier-Minaya, Lee Mondale, Jeanne Morrison, Judith Reilly, Laura Smith, Lily Sweeterman and Makda Teklemichael.
Registration is required and this is a free event for all students.
American Battle Monuments Foundation's Essay Contest
The American Battle Monuments Foundation is sponsoring the Past is Prologue essay contest. Eligible students ages 11-18 compete for prize money ranging from $10,000 - $1,500. Essays are due April 12, 2024.
Click here for the essay prompt, contest rules, and additional information.
If you have any questions, email essaycontest@abmf.org
Civics Essay Contest - National Center for State Courts
Each year, the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) invites elementary, middle, and high school students in grades 3-12 to enter our essay contest. The contest promotes civics education and deepens students' understanding of the U.S. government.
Since 2014, the contest has grown from 65 to over 1700 entries.
Prize money will be awarded to the top three winners from elementary, middle, and high schools. Essays will be accepted online through midnight ET, Friday, March 22, 2024. Winners will be announced on May 1.
Click here for the essay prompt, contest rules, and additional information.
Email Molly Justice if you have any questions.
Boston Children's Hospital Youth Summer Internship program
The applications for the 2024 Boston Children's Hospital Youth Summer Internship program are open. Application Link: https://sjobs.brassring.com/TGNewUI/Search/Home/Home?partnerid=368&siteid=5839#home
Applicants should include a resume with work experiences and/or community services or leadership programs they've completed or are participating in.
Bedford Utility Box Project
You may have noticed the utility boxes in town that are being transformed into vibrant painted canvases with designs and illustrations on them. If you are interested in creating a design for one, and even painting your own imagery, you can submit a design to this year's contest.
Please click here for more information.
What if you had the opportunity not just to learn American history, but to live it? Check out this summer opportunity.
National History Academy’s Residential Summer Program
Please click here for the application
Nurse's Office
When calling the absence line please state if your student is ill or not ill.
Absence Line: (781)918-4561
or select #1 from the main menu of (781)275-1700
Information Regarding Health Screenings in February
Hearing/Vision Screening & Height/Weight/BMI Screening for 10th Graders
During February, 10th grade students will have hearing and vision screening done in the health office. Parents will be notified if further evaluation is necessary by their physician. Height, weight and BMI will be checked at the same time.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health requires the annual height and weight screening protocols to include the calculation of a Body Mass Index (BMI) and percentile for grades 1,4,7, and 10. Each child’s height and weight will be used to calculate their BMI. The results will be kept confidential in each student’s school health record.
BMI is a “weight for height for age” index that can be a useful tool in early identification of possible health risk factors among children and youth. Please feel free to contact Annmarie_Vaughan@bedfordps.org with any questions you may have about the BMI screening and if you prefer to have your student opt out of the screening. -Thank you
Class of 2024
Athletics Infomation
Link to the Athletics Webpage
Link to Schedules
Link to Athletics Handbook
Link to Baseline test at home instructions
Spring Sports Registration is Open!
Interested in playing a spring sport? Please register in Aspen. Registration must be completed by a parent/caregiver. Instruction below.
https://www.bedfordps.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif2786/f/uploads/sports_registration_instructions5_0.pdf
Follow Athletics on social media
Twitter: @BedfordBucs
Instagram: @bedfordathletics
Student Item Drop Off Location
To minimize visitors entering the building this year we have moved the student item drop off location to the vestibule located by the main doors. Please ring the bell and we will let you in. We encourage you to try to meet your student after school for the items but in the event that does not work please leave items on the table right inside the vestibule.
The high school is not responsible for electronics, money, keys, sports equipment, etc. left at the table. Students can check for the item dropped off in between classes and at lunch.
If your student forgot their school iPad please bring that into the main office.
BHSPA
BHSPA Grants for the BHS Community
As part of our mission to contribute to different initiatives, programs, and events that impact the students, faculty, staff, and supporting the community at BHS, the BHSPA has many events that we regularly fund and support. We also invite faculty, student groups, and individuals to submit grant requests for special projects, programs, and tools that will have a positive impact on the BHSPA community. If you have an idea to propose, please download, fill out the application and follow the instructions.
Bedford SEPAC (Special Education Parental Advisory Council)
Come and discuss special education programming in Bedford and how we can best support our children.
Thurs, Mar 14, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Wed, Apr 24, 2024 at 7:30 PM with guest Marianne Vines
Thurs, May 16, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4172275285?pwd=OTZaeHZOM3lSY1h4Z0J5SndVMTk0Zz09
Meeting ID: 417 227 5285
Passcode: 333333
Bedford SEPAC (special education parent advisory council) is a volunteer group of parents/caregivers that work to provide networking and support for Bedford parents/caregivers of children receiving special education services. In conjunction, they work closely with the school administration on special education needs and concerns. All are welcome!
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BEDFORDMASEPAC/
Webpage: Bedfordsepac.com
How Do I...
Get dismissed? Please bring a note to the main office in the morning. (or call 781-918-4561) Students will be given a dismissal pass to show the teacher and head right out of class at the dismissal time. This helps us to reduce the number of class disruptions.
Get a locker? Your Advisor will supply you with a lock. You will select a locker, then your Advisor will record your locker number and combination just in case you forget it. It happens!
Get a Parking Sticker? The Parking Sticker application may be found here.
Get my Aspen ID? If you need your ID or are having trouble logging in please contact tech_support@bedfordps.org
Find my lost items? The lost and found bin can be found in the student office.
Pick up a dropped off item? We encourage you to try to meet your student after school for the items but in the event that does not work please leave items on the table right inside the vestibule. (Parents/Guardians, please label item your dropping with name) Please note; we do not interrupt classes for drop offs. Students can check for the item dropped off in between classes and at lunch.
Bedford High School Parent/Guardian & Student Sign off Agreement Form here
Find out more about grading and courses? You may find this and many other helpful pieces of information in your Program of Studies found here
The 2023-24 Bus Routes have been posted on the Transportation Web Page
Know who to contact for help? (please see page 6)
Bedford High School
Bedford High School Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 7:45am - 2:24pm
Wednesday 7:45 am - 12:55 pm
9 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA 01730
Phone: 781-275-1700
Absence Line: 781-918-4561
Fax: 781-275-6664